Remote control apparatus for electrically actuated valves and other devices



April 1935- M. J. BERLYN 1,997,246

REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES MID OTHER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1933 10 Sheets-Sheet l A B 15 14 13 715 46 C A A1 TORNEY April 1935- M. .1. BERLYN 1,997,246

REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES 15/1'e is 48 11 44 14 F165 INVENTOR MARTIN.J.BERLYN ATTORNEY April 9, 1935.

M. J. BERLYN REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALIJY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1933 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR MART\N-J.BERLYN B ATTORNEY April 9, 1935.

REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR Filed Jan. 14, 1933 M. J. BERLYN ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Q o l $1 n ix 8g 38 M g I: 6 7 m D l 0 #H'fq-Wl 1H I T 1 i I n6 9 to E 1 g E W INVENTOR HARTIN.J.BERLYN ATTORNEY M. J. BERLYN April 9, 1935.

REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1953 10 Sheets-Shet 5 v I NVEN TOR MARTKNJBERLYN y [Wfiwm/Z ATTORNEY April 1935- M. J. BERLYN 1,997,246

REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATEOVALVES AND OTHER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1935 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 18

VENTOR MARTINIJ- BER LY N P XWKEW ATTORNEY- April 9, 1935.

M. J. BERLYN REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1953 10 Sheets-Sheet '7 M. J. BERLYN REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1933 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR HARTlNaI-BERLYN ATTORNEY April 1935 M. J. BERLYN 1,997,246

REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1933 10 Sheets-Sheet .9

maze lfixmmw AT TOBN EY M. .1. BERLYN REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIGALLY ACTUATETD VALVES AND O THER DEVICES Filed Jan. 14, 1933 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 INVENTOfi MART N- \LBERLYN 9- ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 9, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVES AND OTHER DEVICES Application January 14, 1933, Serial No. 651,832

6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in remote control apparatus for electrically actuated devices and comprises a novel arrangement of switches and electrical connections through which current is supplied to a contactor, reversing switch, or the like to control the operation, direction, and range of movement of a motor driven valve or other electrically actuated device in response to the movements of a primary control member located at a remote point.

More particularly, the present invention provides two electrically connected but mechanically separated switch mechanisms which may be located at widely separated points, the movable contacts of one switch mechanism being actuated by the primary control member and the movable contacts of the other being actuated by the motor driven valve or other electrically actuated device which it is desired to control. These two switch mechanisms operate to conjointly connect a lead-in wire to one or the other of a pair of conductors, dependent upon the direction in which the primary control member is moved. The two conductors are preferably connected to a contactor or reversing switch which causes the valve or other electrically actuated device to operate in one direction when current is flowing in one of said conductors and in the opposite direction when current is flowing in the companion conductor. These conductors may also be utilized in various other ways for changing the direction of operation of the valve or other controlled device as the current is switched from one conductor to the other. Continued movement of the primary control member in one direction results in an intermittent flow of current from the lead-in wire to one of said conductors and causes a step-by-step actuation of the valve or other controlled device in one direction. This is due to the fact that a predetermined movement of the controlled device in response to current flow in said conductor changes the setting of the connected switch mechanism and disrupts the connection previously established between said conductor and the lead-in wire. As the control member continues to move in the same direction other paths for the flow of current between said conductor and lead-in wire are periodically established and disrupted in the same manner. The same conditions obtain during continued movement of the primary control member in the opposite direction except that, in this case, the lead-in wire is intermittently connected to and disconnected from the companion conductor to efiect a stepby-step movement of the controlled member in the reverse direction. For certain installations provision may also be made for directly connecting the lead-in wire to either of said conductors to provide for a continuous full range movement of the controlled element in either direction under conditions where intermittent movement of the controlled member is temporarily impractical or undesirable.

Figs. 1 to 12 inclusive are diagrammatic illustrations of one form of remote control apparatus devised in accordance with the present invention. These views show different operating positions of three switches A, B and C, which conjointly control the operation of an electrically actuated device in response to the movements of a control member at a remote point. In these figures the controlled member is assumed to be a motor operated fluid supply valve and the control member is illustrated as a float assumed to operate in a tank receiving fluid through said valve, the three switches, under normal conditions, serving to control opening and closing of the valve according to the movements of the float so as to maintain the water level in the tank approximately constant within certain limits.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a switch assembly illustrating one method of combining switches A and B.

Fig. 14 is a view of the assembly shown in Fig. 13 as it appears when looking in the direction indicated by line I i-M of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view along the line l5-l5 of Fig. 13. In this view the cover appearing at 95 in Fig. 13 is omitted.

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view of the connections between certain switch contacts and terminals appearing in Figs. 13 and 15.

Fig. 1'? is a sectional view of a modified assembly of the component elements of switch C.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view along the line l8-l8 of Fig. 1'7.

Fig. 19 is a sectional View along the line l9--l9 of Fig. 1'7.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view along the line 20-20 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 21 is a view looking in the direction indicated by the line 2i2l of Fig. 17. In this View the cover appearing at 2 3 in Fig. 17 is omitted.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a motor driven valve illustrating the manner in which rotatable parts of switch C are connected to the valve stem.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view along the line 23-423 of Fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the electrical connections to switches A, B and C.

In describing one application of this invention, reference will be had initially to the diagrammatic illustrations appearing in Figs. 1 to 2 inclusive. As here shown the invention comprises three switches designated A, B and C.

Switch A is a fioat operated switch which, for the purpose of this discussion, may be assumed to operate in a tank (not shown) to which water is supplied through the valve hereinafter referred to. Said switch comprises three stationary contacts 6, and 1 adapted to be engaged by a movable contact arm 8 that is supplied with current through the lead in conductor 9 and is fixed to a spindle i8 operated by the float II.

Switch B includes four sets of stationary contacts I2, 83, i i and 15 arranged in two concentric.

ductor 69 connects arm I! to the stationary con- 30 tact of switch A.

The arm i i of which B is fixed to a spindle i911 that is geared to the spindle IQ of switch A so that arm ll moves invunison with arm 8 whenever the spindle it is rotated in response to movements of the float H. The mechanical gearing between the two spindles may be of any suitable type. As here shown, it comprises a belt 26 connecting a pulley 2! on the spindle l9 with'a pulley 22 on the spindle hid, the relative sizes of the pulleys being predetermined to afford any desired gear ratio.

- Switch C is a snap-acting throw over switch that is at rest only in either of two circuit closing positions. For present purposes it is assumed that the cam, hereinafter referred to, which operates the movable contacts of this switch is actuated by the valve spindle of the motor driven valve assembly set forth in my copending application Serial No. 612,146 filed May 18, 1932.

As here shown, switch C comprises four stationary contacts designated 2s, 25, 26 and 2?. Contacts 24 and 25 are adapted to be alternately engaged by a terminal 29 at one end of a movable contact arm 36. Contacts 28 and '21 are adapted to be alternately engaged by a terminal 3! atone end of a movable contact arm 32. These arms as and 32 are electrically insulated from each other but are mechanically linked together, as at 33, so that they move in unison about their intermediate pivots 39a and 32a in response to predetermined movements of an operating starshaped cam 3 The points of the cam 34 engage with the ends of the'arm's 3B and 32 remote from the arm terminals 29 and 3| and serve to swing both arms in one direction or the other as the cam is revolved by rotation of its carry-' in'g spindle 35 which is assumed to be driven by the valve spindle forming part of themotor driven valve assembly described in my said prior application; y p A quick acting spring toggle or other spring device (not shown) is associated with the arms as and 32 so that these arms are quickly thrown from one circuit closing position to the other when moved beyond their dead centre position by the cam 34 and are not permittted to maintain any intermediate position of rest. It has not been considered necessary to actually show a spring device of'this character associated with the arms 38 and 32 since these devices are well known in the art.

Contacts 24 to 27 inclusive of switch C, are connected to contacts i2 to E5 inclusive, of switch B in the following manner: contact 26 is connected by a line wire 3? to a conductor 38 that is common to contacts i2; contact 25 is connected by a line wire 39 to a conductor 46 that is common to contacts i3; contact 26 is connected by a line wire ii to a conductor 52 that is common to contacts i l; and contact 2'? is connected by a line wire it to a conductor 44 that is common to contacts 15.

The contact 5 of switch A is connected to a conductor G5 that is also connected, as at 41, to the arm 300i switch C. Contact i of switch A is connected to a second conductor 43 that is connected, as at 49, to the arm 32 of switch C.

As an aid to understanding the manner in which the various switches co-operate to afford a remote control apparatus in accordance with the present invention the following preliminary remarks are offered for consideration.

"In the present instance it is assumed that the float of switch A operates in a' storage tank in which it is desired to maintain an approximately constant water level and that the supply of weter to the tank is controlld by a motor operated valve having its valve spindle geared to the cam spindle 35 of switch C, said'valve' being, for exarn'plaa motor driven valve of the type set forth in my copending application previously referred to. It is also assumed that the conductors 45 and 48 lead to a suitable contactor or reversing switch which operates the valve motor to open the valve when current flows in conductor 46 and to close the valve when current flows in conductor t8.

Since the arms 38 and 32 of switch C are insulated from each other it will be apparent that the arm 36 and the co-operating stationary contacts 2G and 25 are concerned only with energizing the conductor 56 to eifect operation of the valve motor in a valve opening direction whereas arm 32 and co-operating contacts 26 and 22" are concerned only with energizing the conductor 23 to eiiect operation of the valve motor in a valve closing direction. It will also be evident that the line wire or series connections betweenthe stationary contacts of switches B and C are such that the same circuit must be closed in both switches at the same time in order to energize the conductor 46 or the conductor 43. For example,'a path for the flow of current from lead-in wire 9 through switches B and C to the conductor :6 is provided only when (a) the movable terminal l6 engages a stationary contact !2 of switch B at a time when the movable terminal 29 of switch C is engaged with its co operating stationary contact 23 or (b) when the movable terminal 15 of switch B is engaged with one of the contacts 53 at a time when the movable terminal 29 of switch C engages the stationary contact 25. Similarly, a path for the flow of current from lead-in wire ii through switches B and C to the conductor 48 is obtained only when (a) the movable terminal 58 of switch B is engaged with a stationary contact it at a time when the terminal 3! of switch Cis engaged with the stationary contact or (b) when the movable terminal i8 of switch B is engaged with a stationary contact I at a time when the movable terminal 3| of switch C is engaged with the stationary contact 2?. In each of the instances here referred to it is assumed, of course, that the arm 8 of switch A is engaged with the contact 6 which is connected to the movable arm of switch B.

Under a certain abnormal condition, hereinafter explained, the arm 8 of switch A may be moved out of engagement with the stationary contact 6 and into engagement with the contact 5 or the contact 1. When this occurs the switches 33 and C are disconnected and the lead-in wire 9 connected directly to the conductor 46 or to the conductor 48 depending upon the direction in which the arm 3 is moved. Such direct connection between the lead-in wire 9 and the conductor 46 operates the valve motor to quickly move the valve to a fully open positionassuming there is current flow in the path thus provided. Likewise direct connection of the lead-in wire 9 to the conductor 43 operates the valve motor to quickly move the valve to a fully closed position.

It will now be shown that, when float I l is falling, lead-in wire 9 is connected, through switches B and C, to conductor 46 to open the valve whenever the movable terminal [5 of switch B passes over one of the contacts l2 or l3. During this movement of the float the lead-in wire 9 is never connected to the conductor 48 through switches B and C since the movable terminal l8 of switch B does not touch the contacts [4 or l5 until after the connection between these contacts and the conductor 48 has been broken at switch C.

It will also be shown that, when the float is rising, the lead-in wire 9 is connected, through switches B and C, tothe conductor 48 to close the valve whenever the movable terminal l8 of switch B touches one of the contacts l4 and 5. During this rising movement of the float, lead-in wire 9 is never connected to the conductor 48 through switches B and C since the movable terminal E6 of switch B does not touch the contacts i2 or i3 until after the connections between these contacts and the conductor 46 have been broken at switch C.

Normally, the movements of float H in response to changing water level conditions are such that arm 8 of switch A is always on some part of the stationary contact 8. Lead-in wire 9 is thus connected through arm 8, contact 6, and conductor 54 to the movable contact arm I! of switch B. In Fig. l the arm I! is shown with its terminals i5 and !-5 clear of the co-operating stationary contacts I2, I3, l4 and I5. Consequently, no current can flow from the lead-in wire 8 to the conductor 46 or the conductor 48 so that the valve and the valve driven spindle 35 of switch C are at rest as long as the float l l maintains the position shown in Fig. 1.

When the float falls from the position shown in Fig. l to that shown in Fig. 2, the resulting anticlockwise movement of arm I! (switch B) causes the terminal I8 to engage the adjacent contact I2. Since contact 24 of switch C, is, at

this time, engaged by the movable terminal 29 of arm 39 a path is provided through switches B and C for the flow of current from the lead-in wire 9 to the conductor 45 so that the valve motor is energized to move the valve in an opening direction.

In Fig. 2 the conductor 48 is connected to the contacts 14 of switch B through conductor 42, line wire 4!, contact 25, arm 32, and conductor 49 but no current flows in said conductor 48 since the connection between contacts I4 and the lead-in wire 9 is broken at switch B.

After the motor has operated to open the valve a predetermined amount the cam 34, which is driven by thevalve, acts to throw the arms 35 and 32 of switch C out of engagement with the contacts 24 and 26 and into engagement with the contacts 25 and 2'! (see Fig. 3). This breaks the connection between the lead-in wire 9 and the conductor 46 and de-energizes the valve motor to arrest the opening movement of the valve.

If the float continues to fall the terminal l8 (switch B) engages the adjacent contact l4, (see Fig. 4) but no current flows in conductor 48 since the connection between this conductor and the contacts i4 is then broken at switch C.

Still further falling of the float causes the terminal i 6 (switch B) to engage the contact is as shown in Fig. 5. When this occurs current again flows in conductor 46 since contacts l3 of switch B are connected thereto through contact 25 and arm 38 of switch C. After the motor is thus again energized to open the valve a further amount the cam 34 throws the arms 38 and 32 of switch C out of engagement with the contacts 25 and 27 and back into engagement with the contacts 24 and 25 as shown in Fig. 6, again breaking the connection between the lead-in wire 9 and the conductor 46.

If the float now rises to the position shown in Fig. 7, the resulting clockwise motion of arm 1'! causes terminal l8 to engage one of the contacts 54. Since contact 26 of switch C is, at this time engaged by the terminal 3! of arm 32 a path is provided for the flow of current from the lead-in wire 9 to the conductor 48. The valve motor is then energized to operate in a valve closing direction. After the valve has been closed a predetermined amount the cam 34 throws the arms 38 and 32 (switch C) out of engagement with the contacts 24 and 25 and into engagement with the contacts 25 and 21, thus breaking the connection at switch C between the lead-in wire 9 and the conductor 48 as shown in Fig. 8.

Continued rising of the float to the position shown in Fig. 9 causes the movable terminal i6 (switch B) to engage the contact l2 but no cur rent flows in conductor 45 since the connection between this conductor and the contacts I 2 of switch B is broken at switch C. When the float reaches the position shown in Fig. the terminals I6 and 58 are again clear of all the stationary contacts l2, i3, i4, and 55 so that there is no further actuation of the valve, under normal condition, until the float again falls to the position shown in Fig. 2.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the operation of switches B and C is timed so that, as long as the float continues to fall the conductor 48 will remain dead and the conductor 46 will be intermittently connected and disconnected with the lead-in wire 9 to open the valve in a step-by-step manner until the additional water supplied to the storage tank produces a rising movement of the float. As the float rises to its normal position conditions are reversed in that the conductor 46 remains dead while the conductor 48 is intermittently connected with the lead-in wire 9 to close the valve down in a step-by-step manner.

If the current should fail while the float is rising the resulting failure of the valve to close down as the water level climbs may cause the float to rise to the maximum raised position shown in Fig. 11. When this occurs the switches Band C are disconnected and the lead-in wire 9 directly connected to the conductor 68 since the arm 8 of switch A has left the contact 6 and is engaged with the contact 3. Consequently, when the current comes on again, the valve motor is energized to efiect immediate and complete closure of the valve independently of the switches B and C, the valve motor being finally out out by a suitable limit switch such as that described in my prior application. During subsequent consumption of the water in the storage tank the fioat falls from the position shown in Fig. 11 until the arm 8 of switch A is again engaged with the contact 6 to include switches 13 and C in the control circuit. If the current should fail while the float is falling, the arm 3 of switch A will pass out of engagement with the contact 6 and into engagement with the contact 5 when the float reaches the position shown in Fig. 12. Switches B and'C are thus disconnected and the lead-in wire 9 directly connected to the conductor 46 to provide for a full opening of the valve when the current failure is remedied, the motor being, of course, automatically cut out by a suitable limit switch as the valve reaches its fully opened position.

Switches A and B may be modified and combined into a single unit assembly as illustrated in Figs. 13 to 16 inclusive. In these figures 52 designates a gear casing equipped with a cover 53 made of insulating material. The cover is held in place by two studs E l which also serveas a fastening means between the cover and the engaging ends of a bracket 55. The bracket 55 is arched so that its central position is spaced from the outer surface of the cover 53 and serves as a bearing for one end of a spindle 58 which also runs in a bearing 51 afiorded by the casing 52. One end of spindle 56 projects beyond the easing 52 and is fitted with a float 58 operating in a water tank 59 to which the casing is attached as indicated at 60. A gear BI is keyed to: spindle '56 and meshes with a small pinion 62 rotatably mounted on a fixed spindle 63 carried by the casing 52. A gear 64 is keyed to a sleeve extension 62a of the pinion 62 and meshes with a pinion 65 rotatably mounted on the spindle 56. Pinion 65 has an integral sleeve extension 66 to which is coupled a second rotary sleeve extension 87. An insulator or contact carrier 68, is keyed to the sleeve extension Bl and carries a metal contact ring 6?: which has two spring contact arms designated 69a and 8%. A second contact carrier or insulator It is keyed to the spindle 55 and carries a metal contact ring H provided with a spring contact arm 72.

Embedded in the cover 53 are four sets of stationary contacts M, 75, It and 11, arranged in two concentric circles, the contacts I l and 15 being alternately arranged in the outer circle and the contacts I5 and Ti being similarly arranged in the inner circle in staggered relation with the contacts 14 and I5. Cover 53 also has embedded therein nine terminal studs designated '58, fit, 8|, 82, 83. 8e, 35, and 36. As shown in Fig. 16 the contacts l4 are connected to terminals l3: the contacts I5 to terminal I9; the contacts 16 to terminal 89 and the contacts T! to terminal 8i. Terminal 8 is connected to a'wiper contact 89 which (see Fig. 13) bears against the contact 69 wh ch carries the spring contact arms 69a and 691). These arms 59a and 5% represent the movable terminals or" switch B and correspond, respectively, with the movable terminals I8 and I6 described in connection with Figs. 1 to 12 independing on the direction represented in Figs. 15 and 16 by three contacts.

Fit/92 and 93 which are also embedded in the cover 53. Contact 9! is connected to terminal 82; contact 92 to terminal 84 and contact 53 to terminal 83.

A lead-in wire 95 (see Fig. 16) is connected to the terminal 85 so that current flows from this terminal to the terminal 85 and thence, through the wiper contact to the ring contact H and movable arm 72 of switch A. Under normal con ditions arm '52 is always on some part of the cooperating stationary contact 92 which is connected, through terminal 8% and wiper contact 89 to the ring contact'ES and the movable terminals @912 and 69b of switch B. As clearly shrown in the drawings the movable terminal 690; or" switch 13 travels over the stationary contacts is and I5 while the companion terminal 59b travels over the remaining stationary contacts 15 and TI whenever the insulator 58, which carries these movable terminals, is rotated by its gear connection with the spindle 56. In this connection it will be observed that. the angular relation of terminals 89a. and 69b is such that, when terminal 590. engages a stationary contact id or iii, terminal 6% will be midway between adjacent stationary contacts I5 and i6 and vice versa.

The parts lying at the outer side of cover are enclosed by a supplementary metal cover 35 provided with an opening 95 for the passage of the various leads which are connected to the terminals 78, I9, 80, 8!, 82, 83 and 86, as hereinafter described.

In Figs. 17 to 21 inclusive there is shown a modifiedassembly of the component parts of switch C. In these figures 95 designates a metal casing equipped with a cover 91 made of insulating material and held in place by screws 91a.

bent end IIlZ of a rocking lever I85 which swings about a pivot lfi i carried by the casing 96 and the cover 91; The opposite end of the rocking lever carries a pin Ill5which is connected, by a spring I05, to a pin l0? carried by the arm IE8 of a rocking beam I09. The rocking beam is made of insulating material and is mounted to swing about the spindle 99 which passes through an elongated slot H0 in the lever I83. Two contact strips, I II and l2, are fastened to the rocking beam as indicated at H3. The free end of strip I I I presents a T-head i I la adapted to wipe the co-operating stationary contacts I Iii, I I5 and I it. These stationary contacts are spaced so that the T-head IIIa can never connect the contact I! i to the contact H6 but may connect the contact II5 to either of the contacts il or II S in which the rocking beam is swung about its pivot 99. The remain ng contact strip of the rocking beam presents a T-head IIZa adapted to wipe the stationarycontacts I I1, I18 and III? which are also spaced so that the T-head I I 2a can never connect the contacts I I1 and I I9 but may connect the contact Ii 8 to either of the contacts I I1 or I I9 dependent upon the direction in which the beam is rocked.

The stationary contacts II4, I I5 and H6 are embedded in an insulator block I20 and are provided with threaded shank extensions I I4a, HM and I I I a which pass outwardly through the cover 91 and are equipped with terminal nuts II Ib, II5b ancl I I617. It'will thus be seen that these stationary contactsand their shank extensions serve to fastenthe insulator block I20 to the inner surface of the cover 91 as shown by full and dotted lines in Figs. 20 and 21.

The stationary contacts I'I1, IIII and III! are embedded in a second insulator block I ZI and have threadedshank extensions II1a, IISa and HM fitted with terminal nuts II 11), II3b and II 9b which serve to fasten the block IZI to the inner surface of the cover 91 in a position diametrically opposite the insulator block I29 as also shown in Figs. 20 and 21.

On referring to Fig. 19 it will be observed that when the contact strip III of the rocking beam is connecting the stationary contacts H4 and I I5 the companion contact strip II2 is positioned to connect the stationary contacts II1 and II8. Similarly, when the contact strip I II connects the stationary contacts II 5 and II6 the strip II2 connects the stationary contacts I I8 and H9.

Angular movement of the rocking beam I09 is limited by suitable stops I22 and I23mounted within the casing 9% as shown in Figs. 17 and 19. A metal cover I24 is fastened to the outer surface of the insulating cover 91 and is provided with an opening I25 for the passage of the leads which are connected to the contacts II4 to I I9 inclusive as hereinafter described.

As indicated in Figs. 1'1, 22 and 23 the casing 96 of switch C is fastened by bolts I21 and bracket I21a to the casing section I28 of a motor driven valve assembly generally indicated at I20. Since the details of this valve assembly are fully set forth in my co-pending application Serial No. 612,146 filed May 18, 1932 the following brief reference is thought suflicient for present purposes. The lift valve, appearing at I30, is in screw threaded engagement with the rotary valve stem I SI which is driven, through special gearing I32, by a reversible electric motor I33. This motor is embodied in an electrical circuit, hereinafter described including a contactor or reversing switch that is automatically operated to effect intermittent opening or closing movements of the valve in response to the movements of the float controlling the operation of switches A and B.

The valve stem I3I is formed with a thread I34 meshing with a spiral gear I35 fixed to one end of a shaft I36 journalled in suitable bearings I31. A gear I38, keyed to the opposite end of the shaft I35, is in driving engagement with a pinion I 39 keyed to one end of the spindle 90 of switch C. It will thus be seen that valve spindle I3I serves to rotate the spindle 99 and cam I of switch C in one direction during opening of the valve and in the opposite direction during closing of the valve.

With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 19 slight rotation of cam I00 in either direction will cause the lower end of the rocking lever I03 to move to the left. This swings the spring I 06 about the pin I01 and also places thespring under a certain amount of compression. As soon as the center of pin I05 moves to the left of a straight line joining the centers of the pin I01 and the spindle 99 the pressure of the spring causes the rocking beam I09 to swing in an anti-clockwise direction about the revolution spindle 99 until arrested by the stop I23. Reverse movement of the cam, or further movement thereof in the same direction, will cause the lower end of the rocking lever to move to the right so that, when pin I05 passes to the right of the straight line joining the centers of the pin I01 and the spindle 99, the spring 6G5 will force the rocking beam to swing in a clockwise direction until arrested by the stop I22. The movement imparted to the rocking lever by the cam Ii'iIl is always sufiicient to move the pin Iet from one side to the other of the straight line joining the centers of the pin I01 and the spindle 99 and when the rocking beam I69 once starts to swing under the influence of the spring I03 it cannot stop until arrested by the stop I22 or the stop I23. Consequently, it will be seen that the movable contacts III and N2 of the rocking beam can come to rest only in one or the other of their two circuit closing positions.

Fig. 24 shows the manner in which the switches A, B and C of Figs. 13 to 23 inclusive are connected between the lead-in wire 94 and the two conductors I41 and I49 through which current is supplied to the contactor or reversing switch I52 of the motor circuit to open and close the valve I30 in response to falling and rising movements of the float 58. In this figure a three phase source of energy for operating the motor I33 is represented by the three mains designated I53, its

and I55. Lead-in wire 94 is first carried from the supply main I53 to an insulated terminal I4I of switch C and from thence to the terminal 29 of switch A. As previously explained terminal 33 (See Figs 15 and 16) is connected as at 86a to the terminal 85 which, in turn, is connected through wiper contact 90, and contact ring II with the movable contact arm 12 of switch A. Since the stationary contact 92 of switch A is connected through terminal 84 and wiper contact 8:) (See Figs. 15, 16 and 13) to the movable contact arms 69a and 69b of switch B it will be seen that these movable contacts of switch B are also connected to the lead-in wire 94 and the main I53 as long as the movable arm 12 of switch A is engaged with contact 92. The terminal 18 which is common to all the contacts 14 of switch B is connected by a line wire I43 to the contact H4 of switch C. Terminal 19 which is common to all the contacts 15 of switch A is connected, by a line \vire I 55, to the contact H6 of switch C. Terminal 39, which is common to all the contacts 16 of switch B is connected, by a line wire I 45, to the contact I51 of switch C. Terminal 8| which is common to all the contacts 11 of switch B is connected, by a line wire I46, to the contact I I9 of switch C.

The conductor I41, in which current flows at times to open the valve, is connected to the contact II5 of switch C which contact is also connected by a line wire I48 to the terminal 83 of switch A. The conductor I49, in which current flows to close the valve, is connected to the contact II 8 of switch C, which contact is also connected, by line wire I50, to the terminal 82 of switch B. As previously explained, terminals 83 and 82 (See Fig. 16) are respectively connected to the stationary contacts 93 and Ill of switch B.

Assuming movable contact arm 12 to be engaged with the stationary contact 92 of switch A, a path for the flow of current from lead-in wire 94, through switchesA, B and C to the valve opening conductor I4! is provided only when (a) the movable contact arm 89a engages a stationary contact 1 of switch B at a time when the movable contact I I I of switch is bridging the stationary contacts IM and H or (b) when the movable contact arm 99a engages a stationary contact I5 of switch B at a time when the movable contact III of switch C is bridging the stationary contacts H5 and H9. Similarly, a path for the flow of current from lead-in wire Iii, through the three switches, to the valve closing conductor I (I9, is provided only when (a) the movable contact arm.69b of switch B engages a stationary contact I6 at a time when the movable contact H2 of switch C is bridging the stationary contacts III and I I8 or (b) when the movable contact arm 6% of switch B engages a stationary contact H at a time when the movable contact IIZ of switch C is bridging the stationary contacts IIS and H9. Contacts I I and 15 of switch B and contacts I I4, H5 and I56 of switch C are therefore concerned only with energizing the conductor IQ? to open the valve in response to falling movement of the float 58 whereas contacts 16 and ll of switch B and cont-acts IIi, Iii and I I9 of switch C are concerned only with energizing the conductor I48 to close the valve when the float is rising.

When lead-in wire 9% is connected, through switches A, B and C, to conductor GI, the operating coil I56 of the motor reversing switch IE2 is connected across the'mains I53 and I55 in series with the closed limitswitch I51 and the thermal overload trip-off switch I58. Coil I'55'is thus energized to shift the movable switch contacts I58 into engagement with the stationary contacts I59 thereby connecting the motor leads ISI, I62 and I59 to efiect operation of the motor I33 in a valve opening direction. When the valve reaches its fully opened position the limit switch I5? is tripped as described in my aforesaid prior application to open-circuit the coil I56 whereupon the movable contacts I53 are separated from the stationary contacts I59 to deenergize the motor.

When lead-in wire 94 is connected, through switches A, B and C, to-the conductor I 19, the operating coil I63 of switch I52 is connected across the mains I53 and I55 in series with the closed limit switch I6 3 and the thermal overload trip-oif switch I53. Coil I63 is thus energized to shift the movable switch contacts I95 into engagement with the stationary contacts I66. thereby connecting the motor leads IEI, I62 and I63 to effect operation of the motor I33 in-a valve closing direction.

In reviewing the operation of the apparatus shown in Figs. 13 to 24, it will be assumed that t -e movable contacts (III and N2) of switch C are positioned as shown in Fig. 19 and that the movable contacts of switches A and B (as viewed in Fig. 15) are moving. in a clockwise direction in response to rising movement of the float 58-. It will also be assumed that the movable contact arm 6% of switch B, instead of being in the position actually shown in Fig. 15, is passing over the stationarycontact I5 which appears immediately to the left of the wiper contact 89; Under. these conditions a path is established for the flow of current from the lead-in. wire 94 to-theconductor I49 to eifect a closing movement of the motor operated valve I 96. This current flow may be traced as follows: Through lead-in wire 94 to the insulated terminal MI of switch C' (FigUZ i) and from thence to the terminal 86 of switch A;

from terminal 86 through conductorv 860. (Fig. l6) to the terminal 85 and from thence through wiper contact 90. to the movable contact arm 12 of switch A which is engaged with the stationary contact 92; from contact 92 to terminal as and from thence (Figs. 15 and 16) through wiper contact 89. to themovable contact arm 69b of switch B which is assumed to be engaged with one of the stationary contacts .16; from contact 16 to terminal (Fig. 16) and. from thence, through line wire I45 (Fig. 24) to the stationary contact I I! of switch, C which, at this time, is connected to the conductor I49 via the movable contact I I2 and the stationary contact H8 as shown in Fig. 19.

This flow of current. in the conductor I 49 acts, through the previously mentionedbontactor or reversing switch, to energize the motor I33 (Fig. 22.) to operate the valve stem. I'3I in a valve closing direction. This movement of'the valve sternacts through the cam IIlOand. the rocking lever I93 (Fig. 19-) to swing. the'rocking. beamIIIS aboutits pivot so that the movable contact II I is transposed to a position bridging the stationary contacts H5 and II 6, the companion movable contact 2 being simultaneously transposed to a position bridging the stationary contacts H8 and I I9. The connection between the lead-in wire and the conductor I49 is thus broken at switch C due to the separation of the contacts I I2 and I I2. Current thus. ceasesv to flow in the conductor M9 and the valve, having closed to a certain extent, comes to rest pending further movement of the float 58.

Assuming that the float continues to move upwardly the movable contact arm 99a of switch B (Fig. 15) will pass into. engagement with the stationary contact I4 .appearing to the right thereof. At this time all of the contacts I4 are connected via terminal I8 and line wire I43 (Figs. 16 and 24) to the contact II Iv of switch G... Since the movable contact I II of switch isnow bridging the stationary contacts. H5 and H5, it will be seen that the contact ITIA. is isolated from the conductor I I'I sothat this conductor remains dead. Continued upward movement of. the float causes the contact arm 69b (switch 13) to engage the stationary contact I! appearing at theright of the wiper contact99. Since all the contacts. Tl are connected, through terminal 8! and line wire I46: (Figs. 15v and 16) to the stationary contact II9 of. switchC and since contact H9 is, at this time, connected, through themovable contact I I 2 and the stationary contact 'I I8,.to. the conductor I49, it follows that thisconductor is. again energized to efiect a further closing of the valve until the cam. I09 and. lever I93 act to swing the rocking lever back to its initial position (Fig. 19) thus breaking theconnection. between contacts II 8 and I I9. With this explanation it will be understood thatduring rising movement of the float the valve closing conductor HIS!v will be intermittently connected with. the lead-in wire 94 as the movable contact arm 99b. (switch B) passes over the stationary contacts I6 and TI. It will also be understood that, during this movement of the float, the movable arm 6.9a. (switch B) does not touch a contact 14 or. a contact I5'until after the connection between such contact and the valve opening conductor I ITI. has been brokenat a switch C.

When the float 58. rises to such an extent'that the movable. arm 1.2 (switch A) passes from the contact 92..-to. the contact. 91 (Figs. l5 and 16) the lead-in wirev 94l is directly connectedto the movement of the Valve" to a fully closed position to take care of emergency conditions such as the current failure previously referred to in connection with the arrangement shown in Fig. 1. In this instance (see Figs. 15, 16 and 24) a direct path for the flow of current between the leadin wire and the conductor His is provided via terminals 86 and 85, wiper contact 9%, movable arm 12, contact 9%, terminal 82, line Wire 156, and terminal H8.

When the float 58 is falling conditions are reversed in that the rotating parts of switches A and B rotate in an anti-clockwise direction and the valve opening conductor Ml is energized Whenever the movable contact arm Sta (switch B) touches a stationary contact it or "it. DUI- ing this movement of the float the movable arm (switch B) does not touch a stationary contact it or T3 until after the connection between such contact and the valve closing conductor E 19 has been broken at switch C.

If the float falls to the position where the movable contact arms 72 (switch A passes from the stationary contact S2 to the stationary contact 93, this completes a direct connection between the lead-in wire Q4 and the valve opening conductor Ml so that there results a continuous movement of the valve to fully opened position. In this case the current flows from the lead-in wire to conductor Ml via terminals 86 and 85, wiper contact 96, movable contact arm 72, stationary contact 93, terminal 83, line wire I48 and terminal H5 of switch C.

In the foregoing I have described what I now consider to be a preferred embodiment of my invention as applied to the control of a water supply valve in response to changing water l vel conditions in a storage tank supplied by said valve. It is obvious, however, that the invention is useful .in other relations and that the component elements thereof are susceptible of various modifications to suit particular installations. For example, the float herein described may be replaced by a manually operable lever or by a pressure gage, Venturi meter, thermometer, fiyball head, r any other form of primary control member. Similarly, the controlled member or valve described in the instant case may be replaced by any other form of device capable of electrical control in accordance with the principles of the present invention. With these considerations in mind the terms primary control member and electrically actuated device appearing in the appended claims, are used in a broad sense to cover all equivalents of the float and motor operated valve herein described, when such equivalents are used in accordance with the present invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:-

1. In combination, a pair of conductors associated with one side of a source of current, an electrically actuated device operable in one direction in response to current flow in one of said conductors and in the opposite direction in response to current flow in the other conductor, a pair of line wires for supplying current to one of said conductors, a second pair of line wires for supplying current to the other conductor, a switch for alternately connecting the line wires of the first mentioned pair to the conductor intended to receive current therefrom, a second switch for alternately connecting the line wires of the second mentioned pair to the conductor intended to receive current therefrom, means for operating said switches simultaneously in response to movement of said electrically actuated device Whenever the latter is operated in response to current flow in one of said conductors, a primary control member and switch means operated by said primary control member for successively connecting said line Wires to the other side of the source or" current, the arrangement of the several switch mechanisms being such that, during continued movement of the primary control member in one direction, the line wires of one conductor remain dead while current is alternately supplied through the remaining line wires to the remaining conductor to affect an intermittent movement of the electrically actuated device in one direction, said last mentioned line wires remaining dead and the other line wires being alternately energized to reverse the direc tion of movement of the electrically actuated device in response to a similar reversal in the direction of movement of the primary control member.

2. The combination claimed in claim 1, in which the switch means operated by said primary control member includes a pair of insulated contacts to which the conductors are directly connected and a movable contact adapted to connect one of said insulated contacts directly to said other side of the source of current when the primary control member is moved an abnormal distance in one direction and to connect the remaining insulated contact directly to the source of current when the primary control member is moved an abnormal distance in the opposite direction.

3. In combination, a pair of conductors associated with one side of a source of current and an electrically actuated device operable in one direction in response to current flow in one of said conductors and in the opposite direction in response to current flow in the companion conductor, a pair of line wires lor supplying current to one of said conductors, a second pair of line wires for supplying current to the other conductor, a switch for alternately connecting the line wires or the first mentioned pair to the conductor intended to receive current therefrom, a second switch for alternately connecting the line wires of the second mentioned pair to the conductor intended to receive current therefrom, each of said switches including two stationary contacts to which the associated line wires are connected and co-operating movable contact means functioning in response to movement of said electrically actuated device to alternately make and break the circuit between each of said stationary contacts and the conductor served by said switch, the movable contact means of the two switches connected between the line wires and the conductors being mechanically interconnected to move in unison in response to movement of said electrically actuated device, a primary control member and means operated by said primary control member for successively connecting the line wires to the other side of the source of current so that, during movement of the primary control member in one direction, the line wires of one pair will remain dead while the line wires of the remaining pair will be intermittently and alternately connected in circuit with the source of current and the remaining conductor, the particular conductor thus intermittently energized in response to movement of the primary control member being determined by the direction in which the primary control member is moved.

4.,In combination, a pair of conductors associated with one side of a source of current, an electrically actuated device operable in one direction in response to current flow in one of said conductors and in t -e opposite direction in response to current flow in the other conductor, a pair or line wires for supplying current to one of said conductors, a second pair of ,line wires for supplying current to the other conductor, a separate switch for alternately connecting the line wires of each pair to the conductor intended to receive current therefrom, each of said switches :comprising a pair of stationary :contacts to which the line wires of one pair are connected and movable contact means for alternately connect ing the stationary contacts to the conductor served by said pair of line wires, said movable contact means of each switch being operated by the electrically actuated device in unison with the movable contact means of the companion switch in such manner that the movable contact means of each switch, when moved in response to the movement of the electricallyactuated device, is permitted to come to rest only in contact with one or other co-operating stationary-contacts, a primary control member andswitch meansoperated by said primary control member for successively connecting the line wires to the other side or" the source-ofcurrent, said last mentioned switch means including a separate .set of stationary contacts .connectedto each of said line wires, a movable contact .arrn adapted to engage alternately with the stationary contacts connected with the twoline wiresserving one of said conductors, a second movable contact armiadapted to engage alternately with the stationary contacts of the two line wires serving the remaining conductor, said movable contact arms .and the cooperating stationary contacts being arranged so that, during continued movement of the primary control member in one direction, the line wires serving one of said conductors are alternately included in a closed circuit including said conductor andsaid source of current, the particular conductor and line wires thus energized being dependent upon the direction in which the primary control ,member is moved.

5. In combination, ,a pair of conductors associated with one side of a source of current, an electrically actuated device operable in one direction in response to current flow intone of said conductors and in the opposite direction in response to ciu'rent flow in the other of said conductors, a pair of line wires for supplying current to one of said conductors, a second pair of line Wires for supplying current to the other conduc-. tor, a separate switch for alternately connecting the line wires or" each pair to the conductor intended to receive current therefrom, each of said switches comprising a pair of stationaryicontacts to which the associated line wires are separately connected and movable contact means Operated by the electrically actuated device to valternately connect each of said stationary contacts with their respective conductor during movement of said electrically actuated device ,in response to second movable contact arm adapted to alter natelyengage with the stationary contacts or the two remaining sets connected to the line wires serving the remaining conductor, the other side of the source of-current being connected to each of said last mentioned contact arms, a primary control member, and means driven by the primary control member for operating said last mentioned contact arm in onedirection or the other dependent upon the direction of movement of said primary control :member. 6. In combination, a pair of'lconductors asso ciated with one side'of a source of current, an electrically actuated device operable monedirection in response to current'fiow in one conductor landlin the opposite direction in response to current flowin the other conductor, ,a pair of line wires for each conductor adapted to be alternately connected therewith, a separate switch operating automatically to intermittently and alternately connect the line wires of each pair to the conductor intended to receive current therefrom when the electricallyactuated device is operated in one direction or the other ,in response to cur rent flow in .one of said conductors, a separate .set of stationary contacts connected to each of said line wires, a movable contact arm adapted to engage alternately the stationary contacts of the two sets connected to the line wires serving one of said conductors, a second movable contaotarm alternately 'engageable with the stationary contacts of the two sets connected to the line wires serving .theremaining conductor, said movable contact arms being connected together to move in unison and being relatively arranged ,so that when one of said contact .arms is engaged with one of its co-operating stationary contacts the companion contact .arm will be located in an open circuit positioned between two of its co operating stationary contacts, a primary control member, a vmovable oontactarm actuated y said primary control member and permanently connected to the otherside of the source of current,

a stationary contact engaged by said last mentioned movable arm during normal movements of 'the primary control member, means for conducting current Virom said stationary contact to the movable contact arms co-operating with the stationary contacts connected to the line wires,

and a .pair of auxiliary contacts connected to said conductors and arranged at opposite sides of the stationary contact engaged by thernovable con- .tact arm actuated by the primary control member, said last mentioned movable contact ,arm

being arranged to pass out of engagement with the co-operating stationary contact and into engagement with one or the other of said auxiliary contacts when "theprimary control member is moved toan abnormal range.

MARTIN J. BERLY-N. 

